Pubdate: Tue, 05 Oct 2004
Source: Tartan (VA Edu)
Copyright: 2004 The Tartan Online
Contact:  http://www.thetartan.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2849
Author:  Jennifer Brader

POLICE SWEEP FOR DRUGS

Radford City police conducted a drug sweep through the city last
Wednesday afternoon. Eight people were arrested and charged with
distributing marijuana and cocaine.

These arrests were the result of on-going investigations. Police are
adamant about removing drug dealers from the area, hoping to decrease
drug use and criminal activity.

A drug sweep is a measure used to fight crime while preserving
neighborhoods, families and safe streets. In order to deter drug
dealing in Radford, there will be routine attempts, such as undercover
operations and proceeding arrests.

"As [is] often the case, successful investigations are the result of
good police work performed by dedicated public servants," explained
city of Radford's Commonwealth Attorney Chris Rehak.

Police have received valuable tips on Radford's drug activity from
anonymous informants in the area and will continue to react promptly
to ensure thorough investigations.

Since the drug sweep, the Radford Grand Jury has issued 170
indictments. Rehak reported that of those 170 indictments, 43 were on
12 identified individuals for the distribution of drugs in our
community. The most common drug found among these recent arrests was
cocaine. Rehak further commented that this particular sweep did not
include any known college students. Radford's grand jury has made it
clear that those selling drugs for profit will be taken out of
business and will be severely prosecuted.

The city of Radford has plans to remain aggressive by increasing
patrols, investigations and arrests. Although surprise drug sweeps are
not very common in the area, this was neither the first nor the last.
The drug sweeps will be scheduled once new charges are handed down by
the grand jury.

According to Rehak, federal authorities have assisted Radford City
with two major drug sweeps in the past.

"On June 28, 2004, 12 were arrested in a local drug ring accused of
selling up to $10 million in cocaine, and back on September 10, 2002,
16 people were indicted in a violent, million-dollar drug distribution
ring," Rehak said.

The most violent and recent episode of drug violence occurred last
spring. A double-shooting occurred on May 4, 2004 at 606 Downey St.,
killing 25-year-old Brian Gray and severely injuring his roommate,
Forrest Hart.

The alleged gunmen have been brought before the same Radford Grand
Jury currently dealing with the offenders arrested in last week's drug
sweep.

The drug problem in Radford is difficult to measure. Rehak states,
however, "I can honestly say drug interdiction efforts will forever
remain a constant and there will be swift, severe and certain
repercussions for those who use the city of Radford as a base of
operation for selling drugs."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin